Cover design

The design of the device includes such components: a cover and a steel spring. The PPE cover is made of plastic, which has electrical insulation properties. This plastic is non-combustible and resistant to high temperatures, and is also able to withstand a voltage of 600 volts. These indications are usually described on the packaging.

As for the spring, it is made of steel in the shape of a cone and with the help of coils it compresses the wire with greater force. The steel spring is treated with an electrochemical protective coating. The dimensions of the spring should be equal to the area of ​​​​the smallest part of the housing, where the wire will be in maximum contact with another conductor. Therefore, it is very important to choose the exact dimensions so that the connection is as correct and reliable as possible.

It is worth noting that PPE covers are of two types – with ears and without ears. There are no special differences, but hats with ears are easier to wind on the wire, and without ears they take up less space in the distribution box.

Application rules

There are two ways of twisting with the help of PPE covers: without preliminary twisting of the cores and with them. If it is necessary to connect two conductors, they can be easily inserted into the spring by applying a certain force, and twisting is carried out using rotational (clockwise) movements. If there are three or more connectors, here you must first twist them together using pliers. Next, bite off the uneven ends and, using force and rotational movements, secure them in the PPE, as shown in the photo:

It is important to remember that for full contact, winding should be done clockwise, and not vice versa. And do not forget to apply force, so that the spring coil can move easily, and then squeeze the wire well.

The plastic sleeve insulates the place where the connection is made and thus mechanically protects the cores. The insulation must be removed from the connector so that the exposed part does not extend beyond the cover, but at the same time goes under the spring as much as possible. If everything is done correctly, no additional insulation is needed.

When the PPE is tightened into a coil shape, the spring moves away and compresses the wire. This connection will continue correctly if the correct maximum corresponding to its rating is specified. If you incorrectly select the device or install it inappropriately, this can lead to bad consequences. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right category.

Mosul tag

How to choose a hat? After all, different torsion sections have different sizes and are classified according to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the veins. This area is indicated in the connector number, which can be from one to five. The larger the number, the more wires the cap can connect.

But with these numbers you need to be careful, as there are two types of devices: domestic and European. Both standards have the same classification – numbers, only the European classifications are much smaller than the domestic ones. Therefore, when purchasing personal protective equipment, it is better to pay attention to the total cross-section rather than its number. All this is written on the packaging.

The product is marked as follows: first, the abbreviation personal protective equipment is recorded, then the type of housing (with or without protrusions) is marked. The protrusion is necessary for better fixation with the fingers of the clamp. After the housing type, the total cross-section of the connected wires is recorded in the clamp. The cross section varies from 0.5 to 10 mm2. As a rule, depending on the type and size of the product, their bodies are painted in a certain color, so that it is convenient to use hats. The table below indicates the color scheme depending on the type of case, so you will understand how to choose personal protective equipment for sprains:

It should also be remembered that caps can only be used when connecting two identical wires. If it is necessary  to connect aluminum and copper wires , then to do this with the help of personal protective equipment is already impossible. In this case, you can place an order for  a terminal block , metal clip (nut) or bolt.

Pros and cons

This connector is convenient and practical, so it has the following advantages:

1. reasonable price.
2. The possibility of ignition of automobile electrical wires is absent. This is due to the fact that non-combustible materials are used for the manufacture of personal protective equipment, and self-ignition is not possible in the place where it was twisted.
3. Installing a product is quick and easy.

But PPE has some disadvantages:

• There is no possibility of connecting aluminum and copper;
• Insufficiently strong fastening and insulation.

Summing up the weighing of the pros and cons, I would like to note that it makes sense to use SIZ insulating clamps when connecting current-carrying conductors in the junction box, as well as when connecting fixtures (for example, chandeliers on the ceiling

Now you know how to use PPE caps and what sizes of connectors exist. We hope that the information provided will be useful and interesting for you!